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Health

Two Omicron COVID-19 cases announced in SA, along with changes to quarantine and testing

Olivers Pets and Plants in Glengowrie named itself as an exposure site from Tuesday. (ABC News: Rory McLaren)

South Australia has recorded eight new cases of COVID-19, including two from interstate suspected to be the Omicron variant — the first in the state.

SA Health says four of Friday's cases come from interstate, three are locally acquired and one is from overseas.

Two of the local cases are linked to the Norwood cluster and one is a mystery.

Two people with COVID-19 are in hospital.

Three new exposure sites have been named.

They include Olivers Pets and Plants at Glengowrie on Tuesday, Chicken Shack Seafood and Grill in Plympton on Tuesday and Supercheap Auto in Kilburn on Wednesday.

An SA Health spokesperson confirmed one or both of the suspected Omicron cases had visited the three businesses listed.

A sign outside Olivers Pets and Plants alerting customers of its closure due to a COVID-19 exposure. (ABC News: Rory McLaren)

SA Health sent a text message to people who visited Olivers saying they may have been exposed to the Omicron variant.

The SMS also said the recipient would have to quarantine for 14 days "regardless of vaccination status", rather than the usual seven days for vaccinated people.

Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier later confirmed the new policy.

"With the latest advice and our current situation in mind, 14 days of quarantine will be required for all Omicron, or suspected Omicron, close contacts regardless of their vaccination status," she said in a statement.

"Casual contact requirements for Omicron cases will continue with the requirement to get tested immediately and quarantine until a negative test result is received, and to get tested again on day six and day 13."

In another change, people arriving from NSW, Victoria and the ACT will not have to isolate after getting tested on their first day in South Australia.

Rapid antigen testing for healthcare workers was also approved on Friday evening after the change was flagged on Wednesday.

You can find information on testing site hours and the nearest site to you on the SA Health website.

Plympton's Chicken Shack Seafood and Grill posted on Facebook that it had been given the all clear to continue trading. (Facebook)

Most teachers vaccinated by deadline

Friday was the last day for South Australian teachers and other school and childcare staff to get their first jab before a mandatory vaccination policy kicks in on the first day of school holidays.

The Department for Education said 98 per cent of teachers who have disclosed their vaccination status have had both doses.

But 4 per cent of the workforce has not told the department whether they are vaccinated or not.

The department said it was confident it would be able to staff schools when they return next year.

Staff at private schools and childcare centres are also required to be double-vaccinated by the start of term one in late January.

Why we hear about some COVID-19 variants more than others
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